Abstract

Adverse reactions to drugs are common,
and almost any drug can
cause an adverse reaction.
<br>True drug allergies occur when there
is an allergic/hypersensitivity reaction
with an immune basis. There is
usually antibody production and/or
histamine release (or sulphidoleukotriene
release).
<br>Most adverse reactions to drugs
cause minor skin rashes.
<br>The drug that most commonly causes
reactions is penicillin. Penicillin
reactions may affect most organs or
systems and may cause a range of
pathologies.
<br>In suspected anaphylaxis, serial
tryptase measurements may confirm
the diagnosis.
<br>There is no laboratory test to confirm
SJS. It is diagnosed clinically
and the drugs should not be reintroduced.